- ODM secretary general Edwin Sifuna still insists that the party will nominate its presidential candidate in 2027
- He assured his supporters that ODM remains strong and united, with capable leaders ready to continue Raila Odinga’s legacy.
- Sifuna’s declaration came as some ODM members were pushing for an alliance with President William Ruto’s UDA
Secretary General of ODM Edwin Sifuna has confirmed again that the party will nominate its presidential candidate in 2027, ignoring the internal pressure of some members of the coalition and President William Ruto.
Source: Twitter
Speaking in Mombasa on Saturday, November 1, during a meeting with grassroots leaders, Sifuna said that ODM was planning strategies for the upcoming elections.
Who will be nominated by ODM to be the 2027 presidential candidate?
He wanted to dispel the belief that the party currently does not have a strong leadership following the death of Raila Odingaclaiming that there are capable leaders who are better suited to lead ODM forward.
The Nairobi senator mentioned the acting leader Oburu Oginga, governors Abdulswamad Nassir of Mombasa and Simba Arati of Kisii among those who favor the bill regarding the presidential race.
Sifuna criticized members who suggest the future of the party depends on collaboration with other groups, saying that such views undermine ODM’s internal strength and the legacy built around it by Raila.
According to him, ODM has a great chance to win power in 2027 and should not lose that opportunity.
“Everyone claims that they were told something by the late Father, but we all heard what he said in public. Father told us to organize a party for 2027 and make sure we nominate a presidential candidate. This party, as far as I know, cannot be defeated. Even if we choose Oburu Oginga as our presidential candidate, we will win very early in the morning,” Sifuna announced.
He also criticized Ruto for suggesting that Raila was his only worthy opponent.
Warning the president, Sifuna noted that ODM still has strong leaders trained by Raila who are ready to oppose Ruto’s hold on power.
“Some say only Raila can defeat them. But they should remember, a cub learns from its mother lion. They will be surprised,” he said.
What Ruth Odinga said about ODM-UDA cooperation
Speaking at the same meeting, the representative of Kisumu women Ruth Odinga he ignored a faction within ODM that is using the upcoming by-elections in November to push for a plan to merge with the UDA.
Source: Twitter
Ruth, Raila’s younger sister, revealed that the late leader’s last wish was for ODM to remain united and strong.
He criticized members who have recently sided with Ruto and who are suggesting that ODM’s survival depends on merging with the UDA presidential party.
Ruth emphasized that ODM must maintain its independence and pursue its political agenda as an independent body.
“I was with Baba in his last moments. He personally told me to make sure the party remains strong. Without a strong ODM, we are not going anywhere. Don’t be afraid, ODM is the biggest party, and we are not leaving it. The by-election is coming, and we are running for them as ODM. There is no party that is ‘based on the broad.’ In Malava, UDA will contest independently, and so will ODM in other races,” he said.
Will ODM collaborate with UDA in the by-election?
Separately, Sifuna rejected UDA’s attempts to form a political alliance with ODM ahead of the November by-elections.
He criticized the Deputy President Kithur Kindikiaccusing him of misleading ODM members by suggesting that both parties would field “broad-based” candidates in the by-polls.
Kindiki had previously said that the UDA would support the ODM candidate in Kasipul, while ODM is expected to return the favor in Malava, Banissa, and other areas where by-elections are scheduled.
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